Bag of food can go long way

The shopping and planning may have been going on for months, or perhaps it has crept up like an afterthought-turned-emergency, but, prepared or not, Christmas is one week away.

Yep, this time next week the kids will be bouncing off the walls, anticipation and excitement radiating from them in budding supernova style as they try to make it through that final 24-hour stretch that stands between them and piles of presents.

They really have no idea how much effort goes into making their dreams come true one morning each year — finding the perfect gifts, keeping them hidden from nosey little eyes, hours of wrapping awkward packages, and of course all the time and effort that goes into funding the whole enterprise — a feat of planning and work that amounts to a true miracle when it is successfully pulled off.

Faced with the exuberant faith of little ones who believe, to keep the miracle alive in the hearts of their kiddos, they must scramble, or figure out a way to explain why some wishes don’t come true.

Hard to find, impossible to obtain or well beyond financial possibilities, there are plenty of things kids want that aren’t realistic, but that doesn’t mean the adults that love them won’t try to meet expectations, and the price will be significant.

This year, according to the National Retail Federation, the average shopper plans to spend more than $900 on Christmas — gifts, food, decorations and all the other incidentals that go along with it.

The projected 2016 shopping budgets for average Americans mark an increase in spending of about 10 percent, and an amount unseen since the Great Recession, according to market analysis reports produced by PwC, a professional services firm.

Sales growth and increased spending during the holidays is certainly good for retailers, and indeed, for the families blessed with financial healing in the last couple of years.

At the same time, there are still plenty of people that continue to struggle, particularly through the cold winter months and around the holidays when costs rise but budgets don’t.

And it is during these times that families — facing higher electric bills, holiday expenses, seasonal illnesses and all kinds of other costs they may not have reserve resources to address — can feel the pinch in little ways that many of us don’t always think of.

There's any number of programs to help with different life challenges, but when costs rise and finances are strained, there often aren’t resources available for things such as buying food for a loved pet or paying for unexpected veterinary care.

For those with animal loving tendencies and tender hearts, this is a time of year that provides a unique opportunity to make a difference, both through the holiday season and winter months.

Consider finding ways to help the critters in the community — one way to help is donating pet food and supplies or gift cards for veterinary care to organizations that can get them where they are needed most.

For example, local senior centers, meal delivery programs and other outreach programs can help pass along things to help provide for the pets that enrich the lives of seniors and provide them companionship.

Churches and community programs aimed at helping families through donated items also work closely with folks experiencing difficult times and can distribute pet supplies, food and other items to those who can use it the most.

Helping out doesn’t always have to be complicated or cost a lot of money, sometimes something as simple as a bag of dog food can ease a mind and provide comfort that's priceless.

Sharna Johnson is a writer who is always searching for ponies. You can reach her at:

[email protected]